The New Zealand White Sox lost both of their softball games in the Gilley's Shield Australian interstate tournament today.

In their first game at Rosedale Park in Auckland they were thrashed by Queensland 12-1, then in their second game they went down 4-3 to West Australia to continue their disappointing run at this event.

Against Queensland they fell behind in the very first inning when pitcher Rita Hokianga allowed Kate Sternes to score off a wild pitch that also walked Stacey Webber, who came home on an outfield single by Jade Wall.

The Heat had a third run when Erin Thras snuck through, while the New Zealand fielders were affecting a rundown. New Zealand got one back in the third, when Jen Feret's long outfield double brought Krysta Hoani round from second base, but when Cassie Siataga struck out with loaded bases, the chance for a lead died.

Queensland were up 10-1 when Jasmine Kaiaruna took over on the mound and Erin Thras' two-run homer quickly had the scoreboard moving again. That finished the Kiwis off. When they couldn't reply, the mercy rule ended their suffering.

Then in the second game, leading 2-1 after two innings, the Kiwis allowed their rivals two runs in the third to edge ahead and another in the next inning.

Lara Andrews closed the gap in the fifth inning and threatened again in the seventh, when she connected on a double.

With a 1-5 record over the past three days, the NZ women have one last chance for success today, when they face winless Northern Territory at 11am.

The Australian interstate competition is part of the White Sox build-up for next year's ISF World Championship in the Netherlands.